Mark Hamill and other 'Star Wars' actors, then and now

September 25, 2012 4:00 PM

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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Actor Mark Hamill turned 61 Tuesday. We were going to say he's best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the original three "Star Wars" movies, but that would imply he was known for something else. Here, Hamill poses in character in 1980, the year "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" came out. Click on for more photos of Hamill and other "Star Wars" actors and characters, then and now. less

Actor Mark Hamill turned 61 Tuesday. We were going to say he's best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the original three "Star Wars" movies, but that would imply he was known for something else. Here, Hamill ... more

Carrie Fisher went on to appear in such movies as "Austin Powers," "The
Blues Brothers," "Hannah and her Sisters," "When Harry Met Sally" and
"Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back." She has also become an accomplished writer. Here, she speaks onstage during the Comedy Central Roast of Roseanne Barr at Hollywood Palladium on August 4, 2012. less

Carrie Fisher went on to appear in such movies as "Austin Powers," "The
Blues Brothers," "Hannah and her Sisters," "When Harry Met Sally" and
"Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back." She has also become an ... more

Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Carrie Fisher went on to appear in such movies as "Austin... Photo-3505708.49643 - seattlepi.com

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The third main character from the original "Star Wars" movies was, of course, Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, right.

The third main character from the original "Star Wars" movies was, of course, Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, right.

Photo: Courtesy 20th Century Fox Home Video

The third main character from the original "Star Wars"... Photo-3505939.49643 - seattlepi.com

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Here are Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford onstage during the 33rd AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to "Star Wars" creator George Lucas at the Kodak Theatre on June 9, 2005 in Hollywood.

Here are Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford onstage during the 33rd AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to "Star Wars" creator George Lucas at the Kodak Theatre on June 9, 2005 in Hollywood.

You don't need any reminding about Harrison Ford's career. The most successful "Star Wars" alumnus, he's starred in as many movies as he's cared to in recent decades. Here, he attends the Jackie Robinson Foundation Awards Gala at The Waldorf-Astoria on March 5, 2012 in New York. less

You don't need any reminding about Harrison Ford's career. The most successful "Star Wars" alumnus, he's starred in as many movies as he's cared to in recent decades. Here, he attends the Jackie Robinson ... more

But Alec Guinness was a successful actor long before he played Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars." Here he is as as Sidney Stratton in the 1951 movie "The Man In The White Suit."

But Alec Guinness was a successful actor long before he played Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars." Here he is as as Sidney Stratton in the 1951 movie "The Man In The White Suit."

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

But Alec Guinness was a successful actor long before he played... Photo-3505716.49643 - seattlepi.com

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Alec Guinness died in 2000, so his "now" shot may be best represented as Obi-Wan Kenobi's empty cloak.

Alec Guinness died in 2000, so his "now" shot may be best represented as Obi-Wan Kenobi's empty cloak.

Photo: ROBYN BECK, AFP/Getty Images

Alec Guinness died in 2000, so his "now" shot may be best... Photo-3505719.49643 - seattlepi.com

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Han Solo's partner, Chewbacca, doesn't look a day older. Here he is partying it up with Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard in front of the new "Star Tours - The Adventures Continue" attraction, on May 6, 2011, at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. less

Han Solo's partner, Chewbacca, doesn't look a day older. Here he is partying it up with Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard in front of the new "Star Tours - The Adventures Continue" attraction, on May 6, 2011, ... more

OK, the man who originally occupied Chewbacca's suit was English actor Peter Mayhew (right), who is 7 feet, 3 inches tall. That helped with his other job, as an orderly at King's College Hospital, in London. Here, he helps put up signs to the wards on June 3, 1977. less

OK, the man who originally occupied Chewbacca's suit was English actor Peter Mayhew (right), who is 7 feet, 3 inches tall. That helped with his other job, as an orderly at King's College Hospital, in London. ... more

The droid R2-D2 lived the high life for a while after the first three "Star Wars" films. He was on hand with buddy C-3PO and Star Wars creator George Lucas on June 3, 1999, when special effects supervisor Dennis Muren recieved a star on the Hollwood Walk of Fame. less

The droid R2-D2 lived the high life for a while after the first three "Star Wars" films. He was on hand with buddy C-3PO and Star Wars creator George Lucas on June 3, 1999, when special effects supervisor ... more

Photo: Vince Bucci, AFP/Getty Images

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But R2 apparently fell on hard times and had to take work where he could get it, including as a mailbox.

But R2 apparently fell on hard times and had to take work where he could get it, including as a mailbox.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

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R2 was even reduced to panhandling for his journey home in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on May 5, 2010.

R2 was even reduced to panhandling for his journey home in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on May 5, 2010.

Photo: MICHAEL GOTTSCHALK, AFP/Getty Images

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More recently, R2 has picked up some second-rate appearances, including during "Star Wars" night at the NBA game between the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 13, 2011 in Phoenix. less

More recently, R2 has picked up some second-rate appearances, including during "Star Wars" night at the NBA game between the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 13, 2011 in ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

More recently, R2 has picked up some second-rate appearances,... Photo-3505732.49643 - seattlepi.com

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C-3PO was also at the game, although he apparently fell into the same sort of difficulties as he suffered when he was disassembled in "The Empire Strikes Back."

C-3PO was also at the game, although he apparently fell into the same sort of difficulties as he suffered when he was disassembled in "The Empire Strikes Back."

Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

C-3PO was also at the game, although he apparently fell into the... Photo-3505722.49643 - seattlepi.com

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The original C-3PO was actor Anthony Daniels, shown here on April 7, 1981.

The original C-3PO was actor Anthony Daniels, shown here on April 7, 1981.

It may actually surprise some people to know there was a man inside R2's suit. It was Kenny Baker, shown here with Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew at the premier of "Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace" at London's Leicester square on July 14, 1999. less

It may actually surprise some people to know there was a man inside R2's suit. It was Kenny Baker, shown here with Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew at the premier of "Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace" at ... more

Photo: MIKE SIMMONDS/etty Images, AFP/Getty Images

It may actually surprise some people to know there was a man inside... Photo-3505940.49643 - seattlepi.com

On March 31, 1980, the year "The Empire Strikes Back" came out, Darth Vader and two stormtroopers were spotted standing menacingly over some road works in London's Oxford Street.

On March 31, 1980, the year "The Empire Strikes Back" came out, Darth Vader and two stormtroopers were spotted standing menacingly over some road works in London's Oxford Street.

Photo: Central Press, Getty Images

On March 31, 1980, the year "The Empire Strikes Back"... Photo-3505741.49643 - seattlepi.com

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Even after his "death" in "Return of the Jedi," Vader has gotten around. Here, he is on April 14, 2000 in front of the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington D.C. Ironically, he was protesting against using taxpayers dollars to fund a new arms race in space. less

Even after his "death" in "Return of the Jedi," Vader has gotten around. Here, he is on April 14, 2000 in front of the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington D.C. Ironically, he was protesting against using ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images, Getty Images

Even after his "death" in "Return of the Jedi,"... Photo-3505941.49643 - seattlepi.com

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Apparently, Darth Vader decided to settle down in Odessa, Ukraine. Here, he shows papers outside of Odessa's city hall, where he demanded a plot of land on which to park his spaceship on November 18, 2011.

Apparently, Darth Vader decided to settle down in Odessa, Ukraine. Here, he shows papers outside of Odessa's city hall, where he demanded a plot of land on which to park his spaceship on November 18, 2011.

Davide Prowse also worked in the keep-fit department of the London department store Harrods, as shown in this photo from January 13, 1978.

Davide Prowse also worked in the keep-fit department of the London department store Harrods, as shown in this photo from January 13, 1978.

Photo: Colin Davey, Getty Images

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David Prowse signs autographs during the opening day of "Star Wars Celebration IV" in Los Angeles on May 24, 2007. One note, when Vader reverts to Anakin Skywalker in death in "Return of the Jedi," that's actor Sebastian Shaw. less

David Prowse signs autographs during the opening day of "Star Wars Celebration IV" in Los Angeles on May 24, 2007. One note, when Vader reverts to Anakin Skywalker in death in "Return of the Jedi," that's actor ... more

Photo: GABRIEL BOUYS, AFP/Getty Images

David Prowse signs autographs during the opening day of "Star... Photo-3505753.49643 - seattlepi.com

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Vader's voice was American actor James Earl Jones, shown here in the role of legendary boxer Jack Johnson in February 1970.

Vader's voice was American actor James Earl Jones, shown here in the role of legendary boxer Jack Johnson in February 1970.

The first Emperor Palpatine, in "The Empire Strikes Back" was actor Clive Revill, albeit just as a voice. Here's Revill, center, in an April 17, 1957 production of in Shakespeare's "King John" at Stratford-on-Avon, England. less

The first Emperor Palpatine, in "The Empire Strikes Back" was actor Clive Revill, albeit just as a voice. Here's Revill, center, in an April 17, 1957 production of in Shakespeare's "King John" at ... more

Photo: Central Press, Getty Images

The first Emperor Palpatine, in "The Empire Strikes... Photo-3505763.49643 - seattlepi.com

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Once we got to see Emperor Palpatine, in "Return of the Jedi," that was actor Ian McDiarmid.

Once we got to see Emperor Palpatine, in "Return of the Jedi," that was actor Ian McDiarmid.

Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images

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Actor Ian McDiarmid attends a photocall to promote "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith" on July 6, 2005 in Tokyo.

Actor Ian McDiarmid attends a photocall to promote "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith" on July 6, 2005 in Tokyo.

And yet, there Yoda was hanging on pitcher Ernesto Frieri of the San Diego Padres at a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 8, 2010 at Chase Field in Phoenix.

And yet, there Yoda was hanging on pitcher Ernesto Frieri of the San Diego Padres at a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 8, 2010 at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

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Yoda was actually a Muppet, and his voice was legendary Muppeteer Frank Oz, shown here attending The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Oscars outdoors screening of "The Dark Crystal" on July 28, 2012 in Hollywood. less

Yoda was actually a Muppet, and his voice was legendary Muppeteer Frank Oz, shown here attending The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Oscars outdoors screening of "The Dark Crystal" on July 28, ... more

Photo: Valerie Macon, Getty Images

Yoda was actually a Muppet, and his voice was legendary Muppeteer... Photo-3505764.49643 - seattlepi.com